Author Topic: pathfinder LE building (Read 12394 times)

fred cesquim · « **on:** March 21, 2022, 04:25:20 AM »

i was gifted this great RSM kit from a friend, and started yesterday, so far so good
will be e-powered
one balsa rib sheet was missing and a surplus ply reinforcement rib sheet came as a surplus, i bet someone´s have the inverted situation
fortunately i had one of each missing ribs to make a copy

Motorman · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2022, 09:34:13 AM »

Nice gift!

Jim Hoffman · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2022, 02:20:00 PM »

I had missing parts (entire wood set for Stab and elevator) in a Brodak kit about two years ago. I called the factory and they made it right by sending me the pasts needed

fred cesquim · « **Reply #3 on:** March 24, 2022, 04:46:44 AM »

Quote from: Jim Hoffman on March 23, 2022, 02:20:00 PM

I had missing parts (entire wood set for Stab and elevator) in a Brodak kit about two years ago. I called the factory and they made it right by sending me the pasts needed

i am pretty sure RSM would do the same, but as i live in Brazil i opted to cut the missing ribs myself and save them the trouble
had to stop the building for a while, doing a cockpit for a 1/4 scale focke wulf that took most of my workshop space

fred cesquim · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2022, 01:37:16 PM »

finally made some progress
tail needs airfoil shape sanding
have changed nose design for e-power. cowl is not needed anymore, and i´ll insert engine form the nose, and battery via a side window. I ended up with a "curare" (70´s famous F3A plane) nose profile.
also shortened the fuse widht about 1/2 all the way as no pipe will be used.

fred cesquim · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2022, 01:44:35 PM »

wing was built within 6 hours tahnks to the clever jig design.
i was skeptical with the 1/4 x 1/8 balsa longerons, but after adding the short ribs everything is safe and strong. my admiration for Gordon´s design, really light and clever
only deviation from the kit: they send balsa to make a molded C full leading edge sheeting (just like the thundergazer). i really have my doubts if that´s good and that glue will properly reach every spot. instead of doing that ( wich is a lot of extra work too) i have cut a new LE spar 3/32 wider and had a 1/16 extra lip on the ribs LE. this lip sits on my alluminium JIG. then i glue the sheeting on the lip with CA ( sheet 90 degrees to the spar). moisten the shee with windex, apply titebond to the ribs and run CA to the central longeron, folds the (now pliable) sheeting over and attach to the spars. no need to clamp or pin, and you finish within minuts. this way the glue reaches every point of contact of wood and you ended up with a warp free wing.

Motorman · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2022, 04:19:58 PM »

You would have to make a foam leading edge buck to mold a full clam shell for the leading edge. The (rsm) kit kind'a leaves you hanging in that respect. I've seen other (rsm) builds on here for Thundergazer ect and the builder always engineers a way around that problem. Glad you worked it out. My solution was to sell the kit.

Motorman

fred cesquim · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2022, 05:50:24 PM »

Quote from: Motorman on April 18, 2022, 04:19:58 PM

You would have to make a foam leading edge buck to mold a full clam shell for the leading edge. The (rsm) kit kind'a leaves you hanging in that respect. I've seen other (rsm) builds on here for Thundergazer ect and the builder always engineers a way around that problem. Glad you worked it out. My solution was to sell the kit.

Motorman

the kit comes with LE templates and instructions to do that, i just don´t think it´s a good method at all, same with thundergazer. i came with this solution while building the Tgazer and since then all of my planes uses the same technique for sheeting LE. with this method you don´t need to shape LE anymore ( a thing that i hate and know it´s paramount for good tracking)
wing´s almost done now
regards bro brazil

fred cesquim · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2022, 05:53:32 PM »

hope pictures show how it works

fred cesquim · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2022, 02:51:33 PM »

wing is ready
fuselage is next

fred cesquim · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2022, 07:48:18 AM »

fuselage stuffing

Brent Williams · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2022, 10:48:13 PM »

What size motor and battery do you plan to run?

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2022, 08:13:10 AM »

Quote from: fred cesquim on April 29, 2022, 02:51:33 PM

wing is ready fuselage is next

Nice weight. What kind of scale are you using, I need one that gives me lighter wings!

ken

fred cesquim · « **Reply #13 on:** May 02, 2022, 04:00:31 AM »

Quote from: Ken Culbertson on May 01, 2022, 08:13:10 AM

Nice weight. What kind of scale are you using, I need one that gives me lighter wings!

ken

golden trick to do is: block up wing tips with foam pads while using the scale

fred cesquim · « **Reply #14 on:** May 02, 2022, 04:04:12 AM »

Quote from: Brent Williams on April 30, 2022, 10:48:13 PM

What size motor and battery do you plan to run?

tempest 3515 740 KV , fiorotti timer and 6S battery (but i will test a 5s) .

fred cesquim · « **Reply #15 on:** May 03, 2022, 07:26:58 AM »

fuselage is halfway through
easy and fast to build

Motorman · « **Reply #16 on:** May 03, 2022, 02:30:31 PM »

Have you calculated a path for the cooling air?

fred cesquim · « **Reply #17 on:** May 03, 2022, 04:40:03 PM »

Quote from: Motorman on May 03, 2022, 02:30:31 PM

Have you calculated a path for the cooling air?

guesswork will start after shaping the nose.

my previous 3 planes had similar nose, so probably will follow the same route
any advice on that? i plan to do something like the starduster

fred cesquim · « **Reply #18 on:** May 09, 2022, 11:00:45 AM »

nose done

fred cesquim · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2022, 05:31:35 PM »

just need to open ventilation holes and add a wing to the fuselage

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #20 on:** May 12, 2022, 08:54:24 PM »

Sweet!

fred cesquim · « **Reply #21 on:** May 13, 2022, 05:04:50 AM »

Quote from: Crist Rigotti on May 12, 2022, 08:54:24 PM

Sweet!

thanks Chris, can´t wait to add wing/tail and see how she looks
regards from brazil

John A Miller · « **Reply #22 on:** May 15, 2022, 07:55:49 PM »

Nice job. I think it'll be a looker when you finish it and start flying it. You might be surprised how n ice i flies.

Here're a few pics of mine at Brodaks'.

fred cesquim · « **Reply #23 on:** May 16, 2022, 04:17:10 AM »

Quote from: John A Miller on May 15, 2022, 07:55:49 PM

Nice job. I think it'll be a looker when you finish it and start flying it. You might be surprised how n ice i flies.

Here're a few pics of mine at Brodaks'.

thank you
lovely plane of yours!
really liked the tainted cockpit!

fred cesquim · « **Reply #24 on:** June 04, 2022, 06:38:21 AM »

now it´s progressing fast
next is turtledeck and tail fit

fred cesquim · « **Reply #25 on:** June 07, 2022, 05:04:12 AM »

she looks good!

fred cesquim · « **Reply #26 on:** June 20, 2022, 04:05:35 AM »

bare bones with wheels weight, ready to star finishing process

fred cesquim · « **Reply #27 on:** June 20, 2022, 04:07:09 AM »

made a fiberglass canopy ( will be painted) and saved some 10 grams
just need flap/fuse fairings and will start dope/carbon veil on fuse and monokote wing/stab

fred cesquim · « **Reply #28 on:** June 21, 2022, 03:58:18 PM »

brodak superfill time

wwwarbird · « **Reply #29 on:** June 21, 2022, 09:35:19 PM »

Fillets before covering?

fred cesquim · « **Reply #30 on:** June 22, 2022, 04:52:26 AM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on June 21, 2022, 09:35:19 PM

Fillets before covering?

yes, monokote will stop before the blue tape and fuse will be painted. so paint will cover the fillets and 1" of wing with a 1/4 overlap over monokote

fred cesquim · « **Reply #31 on:** August 05, 2022, 03:56:08 AM »

after some hiatus, finally monokoting
i had monokoted the wings before, bit the product was strange, not performing like used to, and had some color flaws....i gave up, stripped everything and bought a new fresh roll. worked perfectly.
looks like someone put a prank on me and sold me chinakote instead before...or just a bad batch of product
next is carbon veil on fuselage, but vacations is near, i´ll be back next month

fred cesquim · « **Reply #32 on:** January 11, 2023, 04:08:20 PM »

after some rainy days, primer was shot

fred cesquim · « **Reply #33 on:** February 23, 2023, 07:04:18 AM »

double sanding day
dope on the hellcat and primer on the pathfinder LE
looks like i´ll have 2 new planes by july, hopefully!
finally rain gave a break here

John Miller · « **Reply #34 on:** February 23, 2023, 03:56:21 PM »

They're both coming along really well. Looking good.

fred cesquim · « **Reply #35 on:** February 24, 2023, 04:11:58 AM »

Quote from: John Miller on February 23, 2023, 03:56:21 PM

They're both coming along really well. Looking good.

thank you John!
i am anxious waiting better weather to star painting them!
let´s see what March brings ( althoug here in Brazil march is the month with most rain)
regards

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #36 on:** February 24, 2023, 08:32:24 AM »

Nice work!

Chuck Matheny · « **Reply #37 on:** March 05, 2023, 12:40:54 PM »

Fred..thanks for the inside look at this great looking plane...!
I really like your leading edge jig..and the leading edge architecture too.

fred cesquim · « **Reply #38 on:** March 07, 2023, 10:02:24 AM »

Quote from: Chuck Matheny on March 05, 2023, 12:40:54 PM

Fred..thanks for the inside look at this great looking plane...!
I really like your leading edge jig..and the leading edge architecture too.

thaks indeed!
this type of LE is my standard for a long time now, the easyest to sand and round perfectly
after sheeting you just trim and sand slightly and done!

fred cesquim · « **Reply #39 on:** March 15, 2023, 01:09:44 PM »

since i had to clean the spray gun....primed both models

fred cesquim · « **Reply #40 on:** March 30, 2023, 03:53:02 AM »

she´s ready for color dressing
now the fun begins

Gary Dowler · « **Reply #41 on:** April 01, 2023, 10:03:17 PM »

Quote from: fred cesquim on August 05, 2022, 03:56:08 AM

after some hiatus, finally monokoting
i had monokoted the wings before, bit the product was strange, not performing like used to, and had some color flaws....i gave up, stripped everything and bought a new fresh roll. worked perfectly.
looks like someone put a prank on me and sold me chinakote instead before...or just a bad batch of product
next is carbon veil on fuselage, but vacations is near, i´ll be back next month

Extremely well done on covering the wingtips!

Gary

fred cesquim · « **Reply #42 on:** April 03, 2023, 07:22:58 AM »

Quote from: Gary Dowler on April 01, 2023, 10:03:17 PM

Extremely well done on covering the wingtips!

Gary

thank you Gary, i really love monokoting! had done 100+s of r/c models monokote coverings ( worked as a builder for 30 years) so i developed some skills. unfortunatley monokote is off production righ now..oracover delaminate with age....not sure what to do next

fred cesquim · « **Reply #43 on:** September 28, 2023, 02:07:53 PM »

after some issues and a house renewall i am back to work
swithced the white monokote to red! (don´t ask!)

fred cesquim · « **Reply #44 on:** October 06, 2023, 05:34:32 AM »

getting closer, miss canopy, blue on rudder, checkers, ink lines and clear coat

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #45 on:** October 06, 2023, 05:49:35 AM »

You do beautiful work Fred! Keep the photos coming.

Bob Hunt

john e. holliday · « **Reply #46 on:** October 06, 2023, 09:45:51 AM »

That looks awesome as it sits. I await the finished product.

fred cesquim · « **Reply #47 on:** October 13, 2023, 02:39:36 PM »

thanks Bob and John!
painting is done! now comes the ink lines, so far so good!
have a nice weekend guys
regards from brazil

Mike Quinn · « **Reply #48 on:** October 14, 2023, 03:15:29 PM »

Hello

Very nice.

Can you describe your inking process? Tools, templates, inks etc.

That woukd be really useful.

Cheers

Mike

fred cesquim · « **Reply #49 on:** October 18, 2023, 01:39:11 PM »

Quote from: Mike Quinn on October 14, 2023, 03:15:29 PM

Hello

Very nice.

Can you describe your inking process? Tools, templates, inks etc.

That woukd be really useful.

Cheers

i May do a step by step dedicated thread sometime soon! just about to leave on vacation and had no time to photograph the work this time
model is clear coated, upon my return will polish and fly her

Mike

Mike Morrow · « **Reply #50 on:** October 18, 2023, 04:01:53 PM »

Never seen a 20 point finish up close and personal but that is mind blowing.

Mike

fred cesquim · « **Reply #51 on:** December 14, 2023, 03:43:17 AM »

Quote from: Mike Morrow on October 18, 2023, 04:01:53 PM

Never seen a 20 point finish up close and personal but that is mind blowing.

Mike

Me neither Mike, but thanks!
unfortunately we don´t have this in Brazil, wich leads to people not seeking for improvements
i am doing the final polishing now ( after some vacations )
will maiden early january
regards

Mike Quinn · « **Reply #52 on:** December 14, 2023, 03:57:17 PM »

Hi Fred

Looking good. I’ve been experimenting with ink lines on film coverings and have had some success on test models. Old slope soarer gliders that I don’t mind making a mess off.

Attached are a couple of early attempts. Flattened back the film with 000 wire wool, wipe down with Panel Wipe, Rotring Isograph 0.5mm with a mix of black and white ink to get a grey ( not much black needed at all, like 1 drop to 15 white say). Then a steady hand and templates. Once dry, clear coat with 2K clear Klasskote.

I was really surprised, you’d never guess the film had been flattened back to dull. Goes shiney again with no hint it has a top coat. It kind of ‘sinks in’.

Did a whole bunch of experimenting with different fine liners and sharpies too. The Rotring gives best resukts though.

Mike

fred cesquim · « **Reply #53 on:** December 15, 2023, 05:28:50 AM »

hello Mike! looks awesome indeed with the Rotring! sharp lines and great covering.
you´re on the right path!congratulations
i have found out the clear coat possibility by accident: i have scratched an expensive RC jet canopy while building and out of necessity came the idea to sand the scratch with 600 - 1200 grit sandpaper and clear coated it, it turned out to be even more cristal clear and sustain better the sun ( due to the UV protection of the the clear) then this became my standard (clear coat canopies). While trying new technics on control line it dawned on me that the polyester of the film is not different of the plastic surface of the canopies....so i gave a try. I sand my monokote with 1200 paper and the clear makes everything shine again.
let us know of your progress
regards!

fred cesquim · « **Reply #54 on:** December 18, 2023, 04:45:03 PM »

She´s ready and dressed for xmas
56,43 oz complete with battery
will take better pictures tomorrow

fred cesquim · « **Reply #55 on:** December 19, 2023, 04:39:30 AM »

done! flight will be in early january because i am leaving for xmas

fred cesquim · « **Reply #56 on:** December 19, 2023, 04:40:33 AM »

juts a few link adjustments, battery placement and we´re good to go

Dwayne Donnelly · « **Reply #57 on:** December 19, 2023, 06:04:26 AM »

That's some very nice work.

Jim Svitko · « **Reply #58 on:** December 19, 2023, 07:27:32 AM »

That is excellent craftsmanship, both the building and the finishing. It looks like a candidate for the first row at the Nats. And, 20 points is not enough.

Brent Williams · « **Reply #59 on:** December 19, 2023, 10:07:04 AM »

Wow! That is a real beauty!

fred cesquim · « **Reply #60 on:** December 28, 2023, 05:17:46 AM »

Quote from: Jim Svitko on December 19, 2023, 07:27:32 AM

That is excellent craftsmanship, both the building and the finishing. It looks like a candidate for the first row at the Nats. And, 20 points is not enough.

thank you guys! i am really happy with the result, specially the final weight. Can´t wait to return from short vacations and maiden her
i´m not sure how this one would score on Nats, but i would love to attend one some day, unfortunately here in brazil modellers are not interested in built models anymore, most are happy with composite models or arfs...

fred cesquim · « **Reply #61 on:** January 26, 2024, 04:44:15 AM »

dear gents, good morning
we had a hollyday yesterday and i managed to do the maiden flight despite the rainy day
i am absolutely pleased with the model! took of beutifully and zero trimming was needed. flies straight and no bad habits at all
made 2 flights and still experiencing with the speed / cg ( i can shift the battery within 2").
looks promising!
will try to post a video shortly
thanks for the support while building her
Gordon Delaney design is great indeed!

John Miller · « **Reply #62 on:** January 26, 2024, 06:57:00 PM »

Fred, congratulations on your gorgeous Pathfinder L.E. You did it proud with your craftsmanship, and modeling skills. I'm so happy to hear that your plane did like mine and flew right off the board. Best of luck in your preparations and competitions L think you will do well sir.

John Miller

fred cesquim · « **Reply #63 on:** January 29, 2024, 12:13:36 PM »

Quote from: John Miller on January 26, 2024, 06:57:00 PM

Fred, congratulations on your gorgeous Pathfinder L.E. You did it proud with your craftsmanship, and modeling skills. I'm so happy to hear that your plane did like mine and flew right off the board. Best of luck in your preparations and competitions L think you will do well sir.

John Miller

Thank you very much John! seems like a rare bird, haven´t seen a lot of them around!
here´s the first flight, bit shaken and under wind an rain, so i was getting acquainted
flew her yesterday, lower a bit RPM and feels more confortable now!

https://youtu.be/A7lFDentudE?si=pFYczCEStc6yo2_S